Casey

One of the few books on brain science that actually reveals interesting information without wandering into unnecessary technical details.

Furthermore, this book takes some stabs at practical applications without pretending to contain solutions to all of the world's problems.

The author narrates. I'd give him a B- for voice work.

Smart, practical, and interesting. One of my favorites this year.

I was really looking forward to this book. I'm fascinated by the art/science of survival. However, this book has little in the way of practical advice. It's more of a guide to staying positive during adversity--a nice message, just not a unique one, and not one that takes 11 hours to dispense.

Since the author doesn't really have new information, the whole thing quickly devolves into a series of sad stories about cancer and car crashes.

At one point, the author actually gives the advice to "be lucky." I'm not kidding. That's his advice. Be lucky. At another point, the author asserts that the people who survive adversity have stronger faith in God than those who succumb to cancer and plane crashes--insulting and insane.

In the title, the author uses the words "science of survival." No science here. Despite the author's continued insistence that he is a skeptic, he takes a Buddhist monk at his word when told that brain injuries can be cured with chanting, and the author tells stories about magical Bibles and sea life that is controlled by prayers without any suggestion that they may be exaggerated, or false.

If you like books like "The Secret," you'll probably love this. If you think angels cure cancer and religious chants cure comas, you've found a winner. If you're looking to actually improve your odds of survival in a difficult situation, keep looking.